The MIDWEST REGIONAL LEAGUE (MRL) mission is to provide the highest standard of competitive play for youth teams in US Youth Soccer Region II (the Midwest Region) and to assure the continued growth and development of elite level players.

Very simply we are here for the BEST TEAMS…BEST PLAYERS…BEST COMPETITION.

All of us associated with the MRL strive to provide the absolute best high-level competitive environment for our teams. We are here to serve the elite US Youth Soccer affiliated teams and are cognizant of the choices that these teams have in participating in events, tournaments and leagues in order to showcase their players. The MRL offers the absolute best league competition in our area as teams vie for the chance to earn spots into the Midwest Regionals as part of the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series.

League StructureThe MRL features competition in five Age Groups (U14, U15, U16, U17, and U18) for both Boys and Girls. Two seasons are offered – Fall and Spring. Based on the number of teams in an Age Group, Premier and First Divisions are offered. Teams earn spots in the Premier Division by qualifying through their play in MRL competition. Within the Premier and First Division, sub-divisions may also be formed. A promotion and relegation system has been adopted ensuring that success on the field results in teams participating at the highest levels of the MRL. Teams in the Premier Divisions compete for the two Wild Card slots that are available in each age group. Each year, more than 100 MRL teams participate in the Region II Championships as either state cup champs or MRL wild card entries.

Relationship with Region II State Associations In essence, the MRL is an extension of elite team competition for US Youth Soccer affiliated teams in each Region II State Association. The top teams from State Associations qualify to participate in the regional league. The MRL, in conjunction with each State Association, provides the opportunity for top teams to enter the highest level of competition in youth soccer. The MRL works with the appointed MRL State Association Representative from each state association in serving the teams entered in our league. State Associations register players and approve team rosters for play in the MRL.

TeamsTeams earn the right to compete in the MRL based on play within their own State Association‘s competitions (thus receiving State Association approval); and must exhibit the level of play necessary to compete at the regional league level (review and approval of teams by the MRL). Not all teams that apply are accepted into the MRL. Each state association sets its own standards for approval/endorsement of teams to the MRL. Teams that participate in the MRL are expected to display the highest levels of conduct during competition. The MRL recognizes that teams also expect the highest levels of professionalism from all those associated with the League (other teams, coaches, referees). It is the MRL’s goal to provide the absolute best high-level competitive environment for our teams through professional management and operations.

Governance/Management of LeagueThe Regional Council has adopted the Midwest Regional League (MRL) Commission Charter which outlines that the management and supervision of the MRL shall be placed in the hands of the MRL Commission. Members of the eight-person MRL Commission include: (a) the Commission Chairperson who shall also be the US Youth Soccer Region II Director; (b) three (3) Region II member State Association Directors of Coaching; (c) three (3) Trustees Representing Player Interests; and (d) the League Commissioner. The DOC’s and Trustees are appointed by the Region II Director to two-year terms. The MRL Commissioner oversees the day-to-day operations of the League as its Chief Executive Officer.